The biggest ever round the world cruise sets sails in 2026

If you've got the time, this new type of cruising is truly next level.

Hard-core cruisers rejoice. This is a game changer.

In September 2026, a cruise like no other will depart from Rome on the Explorations by Norwegian vessel - previously the Oceania Regatta cruise liner. What makes it so special? First up the duration. The entire journey spans 371 days, seven continents and 200 ports. And it's safe to say, the people behind it are pretty excited to be flexing their sea legs.

“Exploration with My Cruises is next-level cruising," says My Cruises General Manager, Michael Middleton. "Travellers will have the chance to experience the Northern Lights one week, see the ancient sights of Europe the next, then on to Africa where they can set their sights on the Big Five in Kruger Park. And that’s just the start – Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, the USA, South America, the Caribbean and the UK also await."

Now that's an itinerary.

Where exactly does it go?

The map above provides the entire itinerary but some of the highlights for us include Dubrovnik, Croatia; Mykonos, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; Sorrento, Italy; Barcelona, Spain and Casablanca, Morocco. At that's before you've even cleared the Med. The Aussie legs include the Kimberley Coast, Broome, Geraldton, Fremantle, Albany, Esperance, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Hobart, Burnie, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Cooktown and Darwin. It's. A. Lot.

Da Nang in Vietnam is one of the stops.

A new category of cruising

Gargantuan itinerary aside, the voyage marks the debut of a genre called Exploration cruising. Which essentially blends the best of ocean, river, high and expedition cruising. With only 698 passengers and 348 cabins, it means the vessel is small and nimble enough to get into ports and destinations that the mega cruisers can't. Which in turn allows access to a greater choice of land side destinations and activities. Smaller is better.

Explore the world on The Regatta.

Do you have to do the whole thing?

Absolutely not. You can do a sector from just a week long. What's more, if you choose the half or full year options, you can do certain sectors yourself and gift others to family and friends. #generous

You can do all or just some of the legs.

How much does it cost?

Fares start at $99,990 per person, but before you dismiss that as out of your budget, bear in mind that includes return business class flights to Europe, drinks, meals and shore excursion credits for every port. It seems like a massive number but if you commit to the whole 367 days, this works out at around $272 per person per day. Roughly the same as five star hotel on the Gold Coast in high season for context.

How to book?

It is exclusively available to book with My Cruises from October 2, 2024. Click here for more information.

Originally published as The biggest ever round the world cruise sets sails in 2026